how often do you get filled?

my surgery was a gift and and got in texas and i live in Pa.  I was instructed to go to a dr for fills about every 4 weeks and i would know when i needed a fill,  I found a dr. in  PA from a friend who knew him personally.  My first visit 5 weeks after surg he would not fill  (too soon)  went 2 weeks later gave 1 cc  hungary by 3 week stomach growling.  got another fill 4 weeks later 2-3 cc  and still able to eat without feeling full.  went today and dr wouldnt fill at all said too soon  and i lost no weight   i have lost 49 lbs since 4/11, but cant take the stomach growling etc.  any suggestions? 

For some the average is about the 4th or 5th fill to feel satiety.  I was lucky cause I was with the average.  My lapband buddy took about 9 or 10.  I finally realized my stomach was going to make noises that may be due to the new stomach structure.  If there are any warm drinks (I know at this time of year) that you like, it helps.  My doc sees you every 2 weeks for a while, then he moves it to 3, then 4.  But he WILL NOT fill before 6 weeks after the surgery, and then about every 4 weeks, if necessary.  I also realized the days of feeling full were over for me.  Instead, I now feel "satisfied" or just no longer hungry.  Some do feel full, but not me, not compared to the full feeling of the past.  I also realized from reading on this site that although we all have the same basic surgery, much of what happens is very individual.  Good Luck.

My first fill was 5 weeks from surgery, 4cc. Second fill 4 weeks later, 2cc. Third fill I brought forward by one week (so 3 weeks from the second fill) as I had gained 2 lbs, got 2cc. Now have 8cc in a 12 cc band and still not in the green zone. Having another fill in 2 weeks and can't wait.

Cat.

You have lost 49lbs since April?  That is AWESOME.  The stomach growling may not necessarily be hunger.  Also, the band isn't supposed to make you feel full, it's supposed to make you feel satisfied.  This is one of the reasons we're told to eat slowly, so we are aware of what we're feeling and not just inhale the food without thinking (something I always did).  

As for fills, I wouldn't focus so much on them right now.  My surgery was in February and I have only had one fill so far.  If the weight is coming off, my dr won't change a thing.  Are you eating enough protein?  Maybe the foods you're eating aren't dense enough to keep you satiated.  Are you getting in all your water?  Sometimes we think we're hungry when we really are thirsty.

I would go back and review all the rules and see if there's something you're missing.   Congrats on your fantastic loss!!!
~ Barbara

I think it is awesome how well you are doing as well.  I had surgery in december and am down 72.  We each certainly have our own journey at our own pace.
  Good for you too!!!
tw 285
sw265
cw 193